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Ex-wife of South Korea's former president faces accusations of corruption, specifically bribery.

First-ever indictment of a former South Korean first lady on bribery allegations might lead to imprisonment for Kim Keon Hee if proven guilty.

Allegations of bribery lead to formal charges against South Korea's former First Lady
Allegations of bribery lead to formal charges against South Korea's former First Lady

Ex-wife of South Korea's former president faces accusations of corruption, specifically bribery.

The South Korean former first lady, Kim Keon Hee, has become the first in the country's history to be indicted, facing allegations of bribery, stock manipulation, and influence peddling. According to reports by the Korean Herald, Kim Keon Hee is accused of violating the Political Funds Act, the Capital Markets Act, and accepting bribes.

Prosecutors claim that Kim Keon Hee received polling data for Yoon 58 times during the 2022 presidential elections at no cost. Investigators levied the charges against her some two months after the special investigation was launched and two weeks after her detention under a special warrant.

The charges against Kim Keon Hee are part of a wider probe into the martial law declaration by her husband, former President Yun Suk Yeol. Yun Suk Yeol and Kim Keon Hee are currently in jail, with the former already undergoing trial for charges including insurrection.

In a related development, on Friday, special prosecutors indicted former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo on charges of abetting the former president and perjury. Several senior military commanders and police officers have also been arrested for their involvement in the botched grab for power.

Kim Keon Hee is accused of using her influence to help a party member secure a party ticket. She is also alleged to have received bribes for mediation, including a diamond necklace and Chanel bags. However, her lawyers have denied the charges, calling them baseless speculation.

The new liberal government headed by President Lee Jae Myung has launched three special investigations targeting Yun Suk Yeol's circle. If the charges against Kim Keon Hee are proven true in court, she could face years in jail. The former defense minister and safety minister have also been arrested in connection with the case.

This article was edited by Sean Sinico. The full details of the case are still emerging, but it is clear that this is a significant development in South Korean politics. Stay tuned for more updates as the story unfolds.

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